First impressions are essential and you can make a positive one on riders by asking a few simple questions within the first few minutes of a trip. It’s not mandatory to ask these questions but they’ll probably be appreciated as they indicate that you’re going the extra mile to make their trip a pleasant experience.

What to ask your Uber riders

Do you have a preferred route?
Whether it’s the quickest route possible or a longer, scenic one, some riders may be very particular about how they get to their destination. Be sure to ask your rider if they have a preference at the start of the trip and set your GPS accordingly.

Is the temperature OK?
The rider will be more comfortable if they aren’t too hot or too cold. You can’t control the temperature outside the car, but you can make adjustments to your air conditioning and heating. Summer or winter, make sure you ask your rider if the climate in your car agrees with them.

What would you like to listen to?
If someone is dashing to a job interview, they’re likely to want to listen to different music than they would for a night out. Music can influence the rider’s mood, so ask if they have a particular radio station or playlist that they’d like to hear or if they’d rather relax in silence. If you have an adaptor, you can let them control the music directly from their phone.

Would you like a snack, chewing gum or water?
While it’s certainly not mandatory to keep snacks, chewing gum and water in the car for riders, many Uber partner-drivers offer these to make the rider’s experience more convenient and pleasurable. Whether you’re offering the rider water on hot days or snacks to get them going in the morning, this gesture is sure to be appreciated.

How are you today, ________ ?
Sure, some riders may be distracted by their overflowing email inbox or an influx of text messages, but most will like the extra attention. If it’s clear that the passenger would rather not chat, take the cue and skip the conversation. People always like hearing their own name, so why not slip it into the question when you ask how they are?

These questions will help you personalise the trip for the rider and perhaps help you score a coveted five-star rating.